Story: Canoeing and rafting

Waka hurdle races

Māori waka (canoes) were used for recreational activities as well as practical purposes such as transport and fishing. Waka races were a sport enjoyed by both Māori and Pākehā from the mid-19th century, and became a feature of regattas. This 1955 film shows a waka hurdle race during a regatta at Ngāruawāhia on the Waikato River.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: New Zealand Mirror 3. National Film Unit, 1950

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Canoeing and rafting - Early canoeing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/13076/waka-hurdle-races (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 24 Sep 2007, updated 18 Jul 2016